Dominic Corry: My Oscars wish list

But as the ceremony approaches, it's equally difficult not to get caught up in the fervour.

In today's blog I'm gonna take a glance at the major categories and make my personal selections among the nominees.

Actor in a Leading RoleDemián Bichir in A Better LifeGeorge Clooney in The DescendantsJean Dujardin in The ArtistGary Oldman in Tinker Tailor Soldier SpyBrad Pitt in Moneyball

Who will probably win: Jean Dujardin, although a late surge by Clooney isn't out of the question.

Who should win: Dujardin. This is one area where all the love for The Artist feels completely appropriate. Dujardin did amazing things in this movie that alone transcended the perceived gimmickry of the project, and should be recognised for it.

Actress in a Leading RoleGlenn Close in Albert NobbsViola Davis in The HelpRooney Mara in The Girl with the Dragon TattooMeryl Streep in The Iron LadyMichelle Williams in My Week with Marilyn

Who will probably win: Viola Davis.

Who should win: Michelle Williams performance in My Week With Marilyn impressed me greatly, but it deserved a better delivery vehicle than the film that surrounded it.

Actor in a Supporting RoleKenneth Branagh in My Week with MarilynJonah Hill in MoneyballNick Nolte in WarriorChristopher Plummer in BeginnersMax von Sydow in Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Who should win: A very strong field this year in what is traditionally a conciliatory prize for not getting Best Picture. The Ides of March, Moneyball and Tinker Tailor all had very strong screenplays, but it'll be worth The Descendants winning just to see perenial TV guest stars Faxon and Rash up on the podium.

Writing (Original Screenplay)The Artist Written by Michel HazanaviciusBridesmaids Written by Annie Mumolo & Kristen WiigMargin Call Written by JC ChandorMidnight in Paris Written by Woody AllenA Separation Written by Asghar Farhadi

Who will probably win: Woody Allen. Is it wrong that The Artist gets discounted because there's no dialogue?

Who should win: It will be an enormous thrill if Woody wins (and is there to receive it), but I would also be very happy if the Bridesmaids writers won.

The Academy certainly went with much higher brow nominees this year which I think will lose them a large portion of their young audience. After doing better at being in touch with the public the past two years, these stiff nominees just fall flat.

I usually have something in common with the choice but not this year- if the contenders seem stuffy to you, check out my own Top 10 Movie Picks of 2011 at